What are the 5 stages of project management?

The five phases of project management are:

  • Initiation: the project is defined and its feasibility assessed;
  • Planning: the project plan is developed including scope, timeline, and resources;
  • Execution: project activities are carried out and deliverables are created;
  • Monitoring and controlling: project performance is tracked and any necessary adjustments are made;
  • Closing: involves finalising all project activities, formally completing the project and disbanding the project team.

These 5 project management phases are described in detail in the PMBOK® Guide.

Last edited on: 12 Aug 2025


Project management FAQs

Can a project belong to more than one programme?
Do project managers write business cases?
How do you compare programme and project management?
How do you plan for a project or programme?
How hard is project management?
How is Agile PM different from traditional PM?
Is PRINCE2 the same as waterfall?
Is project management hard to learn?
Is Scrum Agile or waterfall?
What are KPIs in project management?
What are the 5 phases of the project life cycle?
What are the 5 stages of project management?
What are the 5 W's of project management?
What are the basics of project management?
What are the five phases of a project?
What are the phases of PM?
What are the three most important things in project management?
What do you mean by Agile project management?
What does the Gantt chart stand for?
What is a program vs project life cycle?
What is a project life cycle?
What is Agile PM vs waterfall PM?
What is Agile working in project management?
What is difference between project and program management?
What is project management in simple words?
What is the 80 20 rule for project managers?
What is the Agile methodology in project management?
What is the difference between Agile and waterfall?
What is the difference between enterprise change and project change?
What is the difference between PM and Agile?
What is the difference between programme & project management?
What is the difference between project and programme management?
What is the life cycle of a project?
What is the RACI matrix used for?
What is the triangle of project management?
What is WBS in project management?
What project management means?

Project Management related articles

image
Sustainable project management
image
Sustainable project management is crucial for today's businesses. Explore our comprehensive guide to learn how you can incorporate eco-friendly practices into your projects and drive positive change.
Knowledge Train | Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: Book review
Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2: Book review
image
Explore the updated 7th edition of 'Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2' in this book review. Learn about new features and updates relevant to practitioners.
image
Free project management courses to boost your career
image
Explore our curated list of 6 websites offering free project management courses. These resources can help you develop valuable skills and advance your career. Start learning today!
image
Project management degree courses in the UK
image
Enhance your professional prospects with a project management degree from a UK university. Explore our guide to top courses and find the ideal programme to boost your career in this growing field.
What is PMP® certification, its benefits, and how to get it?
What is PMP® certification, its benefits, and how to get it?
image
Learn why PMP® certification is regarded as the gold standard in project management and how it can boost your career. Read more for benefits and acquisition tips.
image
Essential project management skills
image
Master essential project management skills to deliver projects successfully. Explore our comprehensive guide to develop crucial abilities and enhance your project leadership expertise.
Book review: Applied Software Project Management
Book review: Applied Software Project Management
image
Explore the practical applications of software project management in 'Applied Software Project Management'. Read our review for insights.
image
APM Body of Knowledge (BoK)
image
Learn about the APM Body of Knowledge which an important guide for project managers. This guide provides insights and useful tools for advancing your career and producing great project results.
PRINCE2 vs Agile or PRINCE2 Agile?
PRINCE2 vs Agile or PRINCE2 Agile?
image
Confused between PRINCE2, Agile, or PRINCE2 Agile? Discover their distinctions and how they can be effectively combined in projects by reading on.
The Rise of AI: How AI is Revolutionising Project Management
The Rise of AI: How AI is Revolutionising Project Management
image
Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping project management. Watch our webinar recording of Mashhood Ahmed to gain innovative insights and practical applications.
image
Project management tools in 2024
image
Discover the most effective project management tools for 2024. This guide examines top software options, helping you choose the ideal solution to streamline your workflows and achieve project success.
image
Project management benefits
image
Project management offers numerous advantages for businesses. This article explores the main benefits and how they can positively impact your organisation's performance and bottom line.

This website use cookies.